Uganda Gorilla Shortbreak

Travel to Uganda and embark on a journey to meet one of the world's most endangered species - the noble mountain gorilla. Encounter Uganda's birdlife, frogs and butterflies while hiking through the thick jungle with an experienced local tracker in search of these majestic creatures. The first glimpses of mountain gorillas will be sure to capture hearts and render most speechless - a just reward for the challenging trek. This Ugandan adventure is action packed and sure to satisfy.

Why we love this trip

Trek through mountainous forest terrain in search of a gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest ( Gorilla permit is included ).

Meet Uganda's majestic mountain gorillas for one breath taking hour.

Is this trip right for you?

Trekking to find the gorillas can be a challenging and long hike.

You will spend only one hour with the gorillas. There is an option to pre-purchase another gorilla permit to visit the gorillas for a second time on Day 3.

Day 4 is a long travel day as you head back to Kampala.

This is one of our Short Breaks and is slightly different to our group tours. There is no group leader but rather a local guide with the idea being that you maintain a level of independence during down time. You'll most likely travel on a join-in basis, which means you may or may not be joined by others for activities and transportation, depending on demand.

Ki kati! Welcome to Uganda.
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 09:00am at our joining point hotel.
After the meeting we make our way to Lake Mburo National Park ( approximately 270km, 3hrs ).
The flora of Lake Mburo National Park is acacia woodland, different to most other parks in East Africa, which means its fauna is also different to other reserves. It's the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope and has about 68 different species of mammals including zebras, impalas, buffalo, leopards, hyenas and jackals. There are five lakes within the park which are home to hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds, while the papyrus swamps provide cover for the sitatunga antelope and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek. This small park is less well-known among tourists so it's much quieter than some of the more famous East African parks.
This afternoon we take a game drive through the park before settling into our accommodation in Mbarara for the night.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

This morning we rise early and make our way towards Bwindi Impenetrable forest ( approx. 3hrs ).

Famous for its remarkable biodiversity, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to many endangered species including roughly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
Visits are strictly controlled to minimise the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the animals.

The group may be split up into different trekking groups during the day or even over two days depending on the time of permit issue and group size. There's a maximum group size of 8 on each gorilla visit and only 24 gorilla trekking permits available each day.

Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable and may reach altitudes of almost 2000 metres above sea level. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid, but the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours - up and down hill. We can usually get very close to the mountain gorillas, who are placid and gentle, and watching their movements is like seeing a mirror image of yourself. Once a trekking group encounters one of the gorilla families, your visit with the gorillas will last one unforgettable hour.

We will be trekking on either Day 2 or Day 3 depending on the availability of permits. The other day will be free to check out some of the local sights and optional activities.
Our campsite for the next 2 nights is located on the edge of Bunyoni Lake just 6km from Kabale. Facilities include restaurant, bar and fireplace, laundry service, TV, and internet connection. We will be camping in fixed mobile tents and all bedding is provided.
Upgrades into furnished safari tents or self contained cottages may be arranged locally subject to availability.

Optional Activities

Meals Included

Today is a long travel day as we make tracks back to Kampala stopping along the way to take pictures at the equator and enjoy a picnic lunch.

This tour ends at our finish point hotel at approximately 4pm. No accommodation is included tonight. If you would like to stay longer, we can book your post-tour accommodation at our finish point hotel if required. If you are planning to fly out tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 9pm to allow for any delays.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Inclusions

Meals

3 breakfasts,
3 lunches,
3 dinners

Transport

4x4 Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nights),
Hotel (1 night)

Included activities

Uganda - Mountain gorilla trek & permit

Meals

3 breakfasts,
3 lunches,
3 dinners

Transport

4x4 Safari Vehicle

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (2 nights),
Hotel (1 night)

Included activities

Uganda - Mountain gorilla trek & permit

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1.There is a minimum age of 15 years for the gorilla trekking.
2. This trip requires an additional non-refundable deposit ( AUD1000, USD1000, EUR800, NZD1250, GBP650, CAD1000, ZAR8000, CHF900 ) in order to secure a gorilla permit. We also require a scanned copy of your passport at time of booking. Please see trip notes (Important notes) for more details.
3. This trip begins with a welcome meeting at the start point hotel at 9:00am on Day 1. Please make sure you arrive in time for this important meeting. We will be departing shortly after the meeting.
4. This tour ends at our finish point hotel at approximately 4pm on Day 4. If you are planning to fly out tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 9pm to allow for any delays.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.